Carli and Stephen were both in the same graduating class in college (20er's) at the Air Force Academy. They ran in similar circles of friends there, and were friends on Facebook/Instagram, but actually didn't meet until 2024. Stephen reached out via dm on Instagram, and casually mentioned he was stationed in South Dakota, not too far from where Carli was stationed in Montana. They talked a little, eventually he got her phone number and they talked some more (when he wasn't flying the B1 full time and she wasn't working her big op in OSS in a vault full time). On a four day weekend Carli decided to take a chance and drive eight hours down to meet Stephen in person, on a whim. He thought she was joking and the next Snapchat message later she was in her truck and on her way. Their first date was at Firehouse Brewery downtown, where they immediately bonded over operator life, career fields with sensitive information, old friends from USAFA, and loves lost. What Carli wasn't sure was even a date, turned into the last first date of her life (thank goodness). Two beers later, they decided a second date at IHOP was necessary and the rest is history. Stephen asked Carli to be his girlfriend at IHOP over pancakes and lots and lots of coffee. Thus began the 8 hour drives (and a few flights) over every long weekend for the next year. They began to facetime in the morning on their way to work because it was the only time they had between busy jobs, CrossFit, and squadron responsibilities. It also meant using every ounce of leave Carli had left (which was a running joke in her squadron that she was always using her leave, but somehow always in the squadron talking far too loudly). Only a few months into the relationship, Stephen asked Carli to meet his family and his best friend in Florida for Christmas. Ever honest, ever confident, ever an old soul. She somehow, despite being 2 months into this new relationship, couldn't shake the thought that it could be her-for real this time- meant to be. So she went to Christmas, had an amazing time, and a few months later he met her family in Idaho. Her coworkers at work often gave her a hard time, laughing at how she was always smiling, probably just happy to see her happy and have something positive in her life to tease her about. Sometimes Carli teases Stephen for his seriousness and razor sharp focus. Sometimes Stephen teases her for having spontaneous weekend plans (which she reminds him they only met due to this very same spontaneity). They align in their ability to tough through emotional pain, more than most have experienced in their twenties, as well as their drive to wake up early and be outside, or rot inside depending on the weather. They both have wanted to be married and be parents since they were very young, but have been unlucky in love for many years. They have bonded over their distain for bullshit, but love for deterrence and their country, a dichotomy many of you reading this will understand completely. They are relatively simple creatures needing love and energy, attention and their own space to be individuals, and they have found just that. A delicate balance they promise to honor and protect, because they are both all too aware of how easily love can be lost if not nurtured correctly. Stephen has been kind and loving to Radar since the very beginning, and Radar adores Stephen, snuggling him over her most days. Stephen protects her with a fierce calm, mostly from her own doubts, as she usually takes care of herself. Carli always strives to have genuine connection, keeping Stephen feeling young and having fun (ironically she's older but the concept still stands). She keeps Stephen from being bogged down by work, reminding him of the bigger picture and purpose of life. In summary, no matter the distance- there's Facetime. No matter the baggage- there's forgiveness and others who have done or been in the same position out there. Love and church conquers all, don't give up.